Which of the following should the nurse identify as a population-focused approach to gun violence prevention?

• A. Providing funding for violence-prevention education programs
• B. Addressing mental health disorders
• C. Researching root causes for gun violence
• D. Installing surveillance cameras in neighborhoods

Answer: (B)

Addressing mental health disorders is a population-focused prevention approach because it targets factors that affect entire communities. Expanding access to mental health care, improving screening in schools and primary care, and ensuring timely treatment reduce risk factors for violence across the population, not just for a single individual. This kind of broad, system-wide improvement can lower gun-violence incidents at the community level by preventing crises, reducing untreated conditions, and providing supports before violence occurs.

The other options, while potentially helpful, are more about targeted actions or specific methods (surveillance, research, or education programs) rather than broad, preventive health strategies that impact large groups.